How (Not) to Fall in Love(73)

Mrs. Sandri ushered us into her house, fluttering around, offering tea and cookies. Lucas and Charlie waited in the living room while Mom and I toured the house.

“What do you think?” I asked her when we’d reached the back bedroom.

Mom looked at the lace-curtained windows and doily-covered nightstand. “It’s like a dollhouse,” she said.

“I know. Isn’t it great? It’s just right for the two of us.”

Mom looked at me, her eyes filled with sadness. “It could work for three people, too.”

I nodded but said nothing.

“Charlie’s offering to loan us the deposit and first month’s rent to tide us over until after the estate sale,” she said.

“Lucas offered, too,” I said.

Mom frowned. “I hate being a charity case.”

“It’s a loan, not charity. You know we’ll make enough money at the estate sale to pay them back. And you’ll get a better job, Mom. I know you will. Plus I’m earning money. I can still help with groceries and gas.”

A deep sigh shuddered through Mom. Her eyes looked clearer than they had in weeks. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Your life. My life. It was supposed to be—”

“I don’t know anymore what life is supposed to be, Mom. I’m just dealing with what it is.”

Mom gave me a tight-lipped smile. “Planting new crops?”

“Yes. Sometimes you have to start over. Like Dad says…sometimes acts of God, or acts of people…mess everything up. I’m not going to sit and rot, and I’m not going to let you, either.”

“I don’t know if I can do this, Darcy,” she whispered.

“The universe threw us a huge curveball, Mom. But we’re still here. We can’t give up.” My voice sounded stronger than I felt.

She stared down at the flowered rug. “I wish your dad was here.”

“Me too. But he’s not.” Frustration welled up inside of me. I knew this was hard for her. Moving out of our home meant that life would never be the same. It was literally closing the door on our old life.

Mom took a deep breath. “All right. Let’s sign the lease.”

I hugged her tightly, not wanting to let go. “It’s going to work. I know it is.”

She held my hand as we walked down the hallway. “When did you get so strong?”

We signed the paperwork with Mrs. Sandri, who insisted we eat her cookies to seal the deal.

Afterward Charlie and Mom went outside, to talk about the money, I assumed. Mrs. Sandri took the empty plates to the kitchen while Lucas and I sat on the small sofa, our legs in full contact this time. He leaned over to kiss me, but I pushed him away.

“What?” he laughed as I held him at arm’s length.

“Mrs. Sandri will be back any second.”

“So? She figured out you were my girlfriend before you did.”

I shoved him back against the fluffy cushions. “Very funny.”

He pulled me into him and kissed me before I could argue any more.

“I knew I was right about you two,” said Mrs. Sandri as she walked back into the room. Her eyes danced, and she smiled at me when we pulled apart. “One of the advantages of old age, dear. I know love when I see it.”





Chapter Twenty-Seven


December 5


Sal and I ate lunch together in the back of the cafeteria. Her fierce glares scared away all the drama groupies. She knew today was the estate sale, but she also knew I didn’t want to talk about it. Instead, she prattled on about rehearsals, interspersed with stories about Mark’s creative bedroom skills. “Speaking of,” she said, pausing to suck down soda, “what’s up in that department with you and the smexy college boy-toy?”

I smiled but shook my head. “Nothing to spill.”

Sal had been deliriously happy when I’d told her about Lucas and me. She’d gloated about how she was right about him on Homecoming night. “You’ve got to be kidding me. If I were you, by now I would’ve—”

“Stop. I don’t need you to spell out what you’d have done by now.” I stole one of her fries. “I’m moving at my own speed with Lucas. And he’s fine with that.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t get you, Darcy. That’s like having dinner in a gourmet restaurant but skipping dessert.”

“Drop it, Sal. He’s not just a boy toy. He means a lot to me.”

Sal rolled her eyes. “Like I don’t know you’re madly in love?” She paused, giving me one of her mind-reading glares. “Did you tell him yet? That you love him?”

I sighed. “Not yet. I will. Soon.” He knew. How could he not?

“You have to say it. Especially since he said it to you first. It’s like a rule.”

“It’s not a rule.”

She snorted. “Whatever. Subject change. Give me some juicy details. Please tell me he’s an awesome kisser.”

I shook my head, laughing at her, but I felt my cheeks burning as I thought of Lucas’s kisses. He was most definitely awesome. Epic. Off-the-charts.

She grinned, pointing a fry at me. “I knew it. Details. Now.”

“No.” I reached for another fry but she pulled them away.